Korean Grammar Point
~하고나서 [hagonaseo] (After doing)

~하고나서 [hagonaseo] (After doing)

Short explanation:

Used to express an action that is completed or done before starting another action.

Formation:

Verb + 고나서

Examples:

집에 와서 샤워하고나서 공부를 시작했어요.
Jibe wasse sha-wuhhagonaseo gongbu-rul shijakhaesseoyo.
After coming home and taking a shower, I started studying.
저는 학교에서 돌아온 후에 숙제를 끝내고나서 친구를 만났어요.
Jeoneun hakgyoeseo dorawon hue sukjereul kkeutnaegonaseo chingureul mannatseoyo.
After coming back from school and finishing my homework, I met my friend.
음식을 잘게 썰고나서 조리를 시작했습니다.
Eumsigeul jalgae sseolgona-seo jorilul shijakhaetseumnida.
After finely chopping the food, I started cooking.
운동하고나서 가볍게 샤워하고 밥을 먹었어요.
Undonghagonaseo gabyeopge syawo-hago bab-eul meogeosseoyo.
After exercising, I took a light shower and ate a meal.

Long explanation:

'~하고나서 [hagonaseo]' is a grammatical expression used in Korean to indicate the completion of one action before the commencement of another. It is frequently used to describe a sequence of actions, where one action follows after the completion of another. It's worth noting that it is always related to actions and it is meant to express the implication of 'after doing'.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~하고나서 [hagonaseo] (After doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하고나서 [hagonaseo] (After doing)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~하고 나서 (hago naseo) is used in Korean to indicate that one action occurs after the completion of another action. It translates to "after doing" in English. This structure is essential for expressing sequential actions and is frequently used in daily conversations.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~하고 나서 combines the connective form ~하고 (from ~하다, meaning "to do") with 나서, derived from 나다 ("to occur" or "to happen"). Together, they form a phrase that emphasizes the completion of the first action before the next one begins.

Meaning

  • "After doing [Action A], [Action B]."

Structure

The basic structure for using ~하고 나서 is:

[Verb Stem] + 고 나서 + [Next Action]

Formation Diagram

  1. Conjugate the first verb to its stem.
  2. Add "고 나서" to the verb stem.
  3. Follow with the second action or verb phrase.

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

Verb Verb Stem + 고 나서 Meaning
먹다 (to eat) 먹고 나서 After eating
공부하다 (to study) 공부하 공부하고 나서 After studying
읽다 (to read) 읽고 나서 After reading
가다 (to go) 가고 나서 After going
마시다 (to drink) 마시 마시고 나서 After drinking

3. Comparative Analysis

~하고 나서 vs. ~(으)ㄴ 후에

  • ~하고 나서
    • Emphasizes the completion of the first action before starting the next.
    • Used primarily with action verbs.
  • ~(으)ㄴ 후에
    • Means "after doing" but less emphasis on the completion.
    • Can be used with both action verbs and certain descriptive verbs (adjectives). Example Comparison
  • 음식을 먹고 나서 산책했어요.
    • "I took a walk after eating (emphasizing I finished eating completely before walking)."
  • 음식을 먹은 후에 산책했어요.
    • "I took a walk after eating."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1: Formal Polite (Written)

  • 회의를 하고 나서 보고서를 작성했습니다.
  • "After having the meeting, I prepared the report."

Example 2: Informal Polite (Spoken)

  • 운동하고 나서 뭐 할 거예요?
  • "What will you do after exercising?"

Example 3: Casual (Between Friends)

  • 영화를 보고 나서 커피 마실래?
  • "Do you want to grab a coffee after watching the movie?"

Example 4: Honorific (Formal Situations)

  • 선생님께서는 강의를 하고 나서 질문을 받으십니다.
  • "The teacher takes questions after giving the lecture."

Example 5: Everyday Conversation

  • 숙제를 다 하고 나서 친구를 만났어요.
  • "I met my friend after finishing all my homework."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, the order of actions and showing proper sequence is important, especially in formal settings or when showing respect. Using ~하고 나서 appropriately reflects an understanding of timing and respect for processes.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The verb endings following ~하고 나서 can be adjusted to match the appropriate level of politeness:

  • Formal Polite: ~합니다, ~했습니다
  • Informal Polite: ~해요, ~했어요
  • Casual: ~해, ~했어

Idiomatic Expressions

While ~하고 나서 is not idiomatic on its own, it's essential in many expressions that require a sequence of actions, such as giving instructions or narrating events.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Omitting "나서"

  • Incorrect: 집에 가고 숙제했어요.
    • "I went home and did homework." (Actions may overlap)
  • Correct: 집에 가고 나서 숙제했어요.
    • "I did homework after going home." (Clear sequence) Tip: Including 나서 emphasizes that the first action is completed before the second begins.

Mistake 2: Using with Adjectives

  • Incorrect: 피곤하고 나서 잤어요.
    • "I slept after being tired."
  • Correct: 피곤해서 잤어요.
    • "I slept because I was tired." Tip: ~하고 나서 is used with action verbs, not adjectives. Use ~아서/어서 with adjectives to indicate cause.

Mistake 3: Misplacing the Sequence

  • Incorrect: 학교에 가고 나서 아침을 먹었어요.
    • "After going to school, I ate breakfast." (Unusual sequence)
  • Correct: 아침을 먹고 나서 학교에 갔어요.
    • "After eating breakfast, I went to school." Tip: Ensure the sequence of actions makes logical sense.

Learning Strategies

  • Practice with Daily Routines: Write out your daily activities using ~하고 나서 to describe the order.
  • Mnemonic Device: Remember "하고 나서" as "do and then after".

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~하고 나서 is used to express that one action occurs after the completion of another.
  • Formed by adding 고 나서 to the verb stem.
  • Emphasizes the completion of the first action before the second begins.
  • Not used with adjectives; only action verbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 책을 ________ 나서 잘 거예요.
    • Answer: 읽고
    • "I will sleep after reading the book."
  2. True or False: ~하고 나서 can be used to express simultaneous actions.
    • Answer: False
    • It's used for sequential actions where one occurs after the other.
  3. Choose the correct sentence that uses ~하고 나서 properly: a) 기분이 좋고 나서 노래를 불렀어요. b) 일을 끝내고 나서 집에 갔어요.
    • Answer: b) 일을 끝내고 나서 집에 갔어요.
    • "I went home after finishing work."

By understanding and practicing ~하고 나서, you can accurately describe sequences of events and enhance the clarity of your communication in Korean.

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